Bournemouth Big Weekend

You get a briefing, then a set number of laps or a timed slot behind the wheel with an instructor in the passenger seat. Rally means loose surface and sliding; off-road means mud, gradients and crawling; a tank means driving something tracked and crushing a car if the site offers it. Each person drives in turn, so there is a lot of standing around watching, which some groups enjoy and some do not. Ask how many laps each and how long the whole thing takes. A full, valid driving licence is needed for most of it and will be checked on arrival. Flat shoes, and no drinking beforehand.

Standard entry gets the group past the queue on a guest list, which matters because large male groups are the first ones a door turns away. A booth adds a reserved table, a set number of bottles with mixers and a host who looks after the table. Booths are sold on a minimum spend rather than a flat fee at many clubs, so the bottles you order count towards it. Ask what the minimum is and what it includes before you agree to anything. Dress code is enforced hard on stag groups. No sportswear, no trainers at some doors, no matching shirts, and nobody visibly drunk gets in regardless of the booking.

A range officer covers safety and handling, then you shoot a set number of rounds across a few different weapons at paper targets. An instructor stays with each shooter on the lane. Targets are usually yours to keep. Ranges are strict and the rules are not flexible: sober, identification checked at the door, and anyone who does not follow an instruction is removed. That is what makes it safe. Closed-toe shoes and a top with a high neckline, because spent casings are hot. Eye and ear protection are provided.

A restaurant taking a large group will usually want a set menu, a deposit and final numbers a few days ahead. That is normal and it works in your favour: the food comes out together and the bill is per head rather than an hour of arithmetic. Tell them about allergies and anyone who does not eat meat when you confirm the numbers, not on the night. Dress code is the restaurant's. If you are heading to a club afterwards, dress for the club, because the restaurant is the softer door.